Hi again,

Any ideas out there for having repeated vaginal infections caused by the Streptoccous (sp) organism?

I've had at least three this year maybe more but not bad enough or I'm getting used to it. I've been treated with Keflex each time but I don't want to get used to antibiotics. My Gyn mentioned a hormone vaginal cream.
My symptoms are burning mostly when I shower and leave soap on the area too long. When the infection really got bad I had stabbing intermittent pains.

Thanks,
Pat

Pat01. I think your doctor is the only one that can TREAT you for vagnal infections but I do have a few tips for prevention
1. Loose cotton underwear like boxer shorts - NO thongs that irritate.
2. Wear mostly cotton pants because they let your skin breathe or go for skirts - NO pantyhose - tight jeans are out.
3. Careful with the soap - use only VERY mild and only a tiny amount LOTS of rinsing and drying.
All a fungus infection needs is warmth and moisture. Also perhaps you are giving it to your partner (without him knowing it or feeling anything), so then he gives it straight back to you - condoms until you are better. Hope this helps a little Rita

Pat,

Sorry to hear about your infection. I've had some problems with yeast/BV for months now but feeling I'm getting better or at least a handle on it. My doctor says that with the onset of peri, our vaginal lining thins out (cause drying) and we
are more prone to vaginal infections and UTI.

Has your doctor check your vaginal pH (should be less than 4.5) and for the presence of lactobacillus bacteria (good vaginal bacteria that keeps the bad bacteria away). Any form of estrogen vaginal cream will help with restoring the
pH. Sometimes the vaginal cream may bring the onset of yeast but then you just treat the yeast while you use the cream.

I have been using estriol suppositories, lactobacillus suppositories and boric acid capsules as a regiment for the past month. I get this from my doctor.

I hope you start feeling better soon. Are you in peri, meno or post?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Yes I'm definitely peri!

I had to laugh at some of the suggestions: No thongs! Reminds me of a line from the movie Twilight Zone-The Movie "Want to see something really scary"?
We just had a laugh at work about the inappropriate dress these days and a visible thong was one of them. I always wear cotton and no pantyhose.

When my Gyn said there were around 30 different kinds of bacteria in the vagina I laughed and wondered why a man would want to go there

Take care--we're all in this together

Pat

HI LADIES:

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS ONE EXPERIENCES WHEN ONE HAS A STAPH VAGINAL INFECTION???

THANKS FOR THE INFO.

RED

Well I had strep but it was a burning feeling esp. washing with soap. When the infection got really bad I had a throbbing sharp pain. No discharge at all.

Pat

Does anyone know of a "volvovaginal infections specialist?" I live in California and I have heard of some in PA, but any in my area? I have had chronic infecitons for the past 10 mos and the doctor's don't know what to do with me. I would love to chat with anyone else who has gone thru same as I feel very lonely in regards to this as I do not know anyone else nor do my doctors. It started with Strep B for 6 mos, then e coli for 3 then a UTI and a couple of yeast infections. Now am back to Strep B. Haven't had sex with husband all this time. it's wearing on the relationship and my life in general. I am currently on a leave of absence as I just couldn't deal with it all anymore and needed to take time to find others like me and a specialist in this area.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone out there.

Thanks!

Donna R.

Pat,
I've had chronic Strep B for 6 mos. I had several courses of antibiotics. The trick is to no "over" treat. Are you taking Probiotics to replenish the good flora that the antibiotics strip away along with the bad (strep b, etc) flora?

Donna R.

I wonder if vaginal estrogen would help. It helped me when I was having recurring UTIs. It got explained to me that in menopause when estrogen levels fall, it can change the pH in the urogenital tract making it easy for bacterial and yeast infections to flourish. The addition of topical vaginal estrogen can bring the pH back to where it is supposed to be and make it harder for an infection to get going.

Miss Tibbs